coconut oil

Coconut oil reportedly has some great-skin benefits—but, as it turns out, it just may also help the rest of your body, too. So what is it? According to Keri Glassman, R.D., coconut oil is "a multifunctional edible oil extracted from the meat of matured coconuts. It’s coveted for its unique healing properties and sweet nutty taste and has recently seen a rise in popularity amongst chefs, nutritionists, and health care professionals for its multitude of uses." Glassman says that the oil is a source of "all-natural energy," which contains no cholesterol and is a good alternative to butter. And about half of the fatty acids in coconut oil are made up of a saturated fat that's linked to killing harmful bacteria, while boosting immunity. Studies have also shown that coconut oil may help with weight loss. Nikki Reed is also a fan! She teamed up with Vita Coco on its new release of Vita Coco Coconut Oil, explaining that she uses the oil every day—adding a dash to her morning coffee (saying that it gives her energy and a metabolism boost), spraying it on her skin for moisturizing benefits, and includes it in this, her favorite smoothie recipe. Vita Green read more

You hear about so many things that supposedly promote weight loss (remember yacon syrup? Who knew?)—it can be hard to separate the fact from the fiction. That's why we put together a few of the latest things people are considering for weight loss—because it's always good to know what's real and what isn't. Apple cider vinegar: Research has suggested that sipping a bit of this vinegar before a meal just might help you feel full—leading to less overeating and possible weight loss. In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the results showed that a little apple cider vinegar helps slow the release of sugar into the blood, improving insulin sensitivity. The vinegar might help slow the absorption of sugar from your meal into your bloodstream, helping sugar levels from shooting sky high. But there's also the possibility that drinking the vinegar—which is super-acidic—could irritate your throat and break down tooth enamel. Green tea: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who drank tea—which was fortified with green tea extract—daily for three months lost more body fat than those who drank oolong tea that had no green tea extract in it. Why? Green read more

When it comes to hair secrets, I'm pretty quick to spill the beauty beans--as soon as I get a new one, I share it with someone else, asap! (Well, okay I'm actually quick to spill the beauty beans to you guys in regards to anything that's beauty related.) Anyway, here's another one that just might rock your Monday-blues-havin' socks off... read more